Manchester City sensation wanted by two La Liga clubs, Guardiola will have the last word

Manchester City wonderkid Brahim Díaz is just 17 years of age, but such a talent that two La Liga clubs want to take him on loan next season.

One of the gems of City’s impressive academy, Brahim had just turned 17 when Pep Guardiola handed him his first team debut last season, coming on as an 80th minute substitute to replace Kelechi Iheanacho in an EFL Cup game against Swansea.

Many of his age would remain in the youth system for a while longer, but Brahim is a special case and may already be ready for high-level senior football.

And both Girona FC, the club about to formally enter the City Football Group, and Málaga, where Brahim begin his career before moving to England, want the prodigious attacking midfielder on loan next season.

Girona have made an express request for Brahim, AS reports today, but are going to be kept waiting a while, as Pep Guardiola plans to take him to the United States with the first team and assess what level the teenager is at.

Brahim will have the opportunity to convince Pep that he is ready to be in or around the Man City first team squad, with the Catalan coach known to be a big admirer of the player and his potential.

The message to suitors is clear: Brahim’s future will not be decided until after City’s pre-season. Manchester City have many excellent talents in their academy, but Brahim is arguably top of the list and Blues bosses want to micromanage his progress to the first team. Girona or Málaga may eventually land him on loan, but it will be on Pep Guardiola’s terms and schedule.